Attributes to Consider When Selecting a Mentor

• Approachable. Is this person easy to talk with? Do you feel comfortable in his/her presence?


• Available and reliable. Is it relatively easy to find this person and to make an appointment to meet? Do they keep appointments and meet deadlines (for example, for submitting recommendations for their students)?


• Compatible. Mentoring involves a close and often long-term association. Do you feel that you and your prospective mentor share similar views on education, research, professional vs. personal life?


• Reputation. What is this person’s reputation with regard to students in general? What is this person’s reputation with regard to others such as faculty colleagues, staff members? How do current students feel about this person?


• Track record. How have this mentor’s past students fared?


• Your future. The role of the mentor will change over time. Can you see this person providing the balance of support and independence you desire? Do you see this person as a long-term advocate, an asset for your next professional move, an eventual colleague?